(WASHINGTON, DC, 5/4/2006) - On Monday, May 8, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation will hold a news conference in Washington, D.C., to announce a campaign in response to Wachovia Bank’s unexplained closure of a Virginia Muslim charity’s account.

WHAT: Press Conference Announcing Campaign to Protest Closure of
Muslim Charity’s Account
WHEN: Monday, May 8, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: In front of Wachovia Bank, 444 North Capitol Street, N.W.,
Washington, DC

In November, 2005, Wachovia Bank sent a letter to the Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help (FAITH), a small Muslim-run charity in Northern Virginia, announcing that the organization’s accounts would be closed in January, 2006. The organization’s accounts were in good standing it all times during its several-year relationship with Wachovia and the bank never expressed concern about the charity or its activities. Wachovia Senior Vice President Jeraldine Davis wrote: “As you are aware the Bank’s contract with FAITH provides that the Bank can close any customer’s account at any time.”

FAITH, a charity providing aid to individuals and families that are needy or victims of domestic violence within the Northern Virginia area, serves people of all faiths and ethnicities.

Goals and Objectives:

To establish/buy/lease/rent facilities for social services..
To organize collection and distribution of Zakah and donations in the form of cash and kind (food, clothing, etc.).
To provide transitional housing for homeless families and individuals, as well as referring them to the appropriate government social service agencies.
To provide free and low cost medical services for the needy patients.
To provide free and low cost psychological counseling.
To run training programs for jobless adults.
To operate a thrift shop.

SEE: http://www.faithus.org/